New York State Drug Policy Alliance

Governor Andrew Cuomo and New York’s U.S. Senators Chuck Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand would like to see medical marijuana on a slightly faster track in the Empire State, but there are several bumps in the road…

New York is in line to become the next state to legalize medical marijuana. Governor Andrew Cuomo is expected to use the occasion of his 4th "State of the State" address to announce his intentions to add New York to the list of states currently allowing medical marijuana.

Governor Andrew Cuomo is expected to add New York to the 20 states allowing medical marijuana use.

Cuomo would use administrative powers rather than legislative action to allow a limited number of hospitals to use marijuana to treat certain ailments. The plan was first reported by The New York Times.

Marijuana remains illegal in New York, though possession of small amounts has been reduced to a low-level violation subject to a fine.